Cryopreservation Of Whole Blood

• To yield a final concentration of 10% DMSO (recommended concentration varies by lab), mix whole blood and dispense 0.5 ml into each labeled cryovial containing DMSO
• Until ready to cryopreserve, tighten vial caps, place cryovials onto labeled ampule canes and place at +4 ˚C, but no longer than 30 minutes.
• In a control rate freezer place cryovials on canes.

Temperature Requirements

During transit, Specimens may be exposed to temperature fluctuations. Below are typical temperature conditions mandatory for transport of specimens and the insulation/refrigerant necessary to keep that temperature:

• Insulated packaging to protect from extreme heat/cold ambient conditions, Ambient (+20 ˚C - +30 ˚C).
• Gel packs considered for refrigerated temperatures, conditioned at –15 ˚C or phase change material rated for refrigerated transport. Refrigerated (+2 ˚C - +8 ˚C).
• Gel Packs considered for frozen temperatures, conditioned at or below –20 ˚C. Frozen (-20 ˚C),
• Dry Ice pellets or sheets. Frozen (-70 ˚C)
• Liquid Nitrogen Dry Shipper. Frozen (at or below –150 ˚C)

Arrival Time Requirements

Specimens such as fresh whole blood, which are time sensitive, must be consigned to couriers with a proven repute of successful on-time delivery. Time requisite for processing should be considered as good. Adequate refrigerant should be included to allow for a 24-hour delay in transport for cold or frozen shipments,. For instance, an overnight (24 hours) shipment should have enough refrigerant for 48 hours.

In the event of a delay, temperature sensitive material should be consigned with a courier capable of replenishing refrigerant. We recommend choosing the correct MVE Vapor Shipper to allow for enough time for the shipment to arrive within the specified time frame because very few couriers will be able to replenish Liquid Nitrogen Vapor Shippers.